Construction has begun on the first of ten new Elizabeth line trains, marking the next major step for London’s newest railway as it continues to expand capacity to meet record passenger demand. Since opening in 2022, the Elizabeth line has become the UK’s busiest single railway service, with around 800,000 journeys made every day. The additional trains are being built in Derby to support both the line’s rapid growth and the Government’s national economic agenda.

The new Aventra Class 345 trains are being built by Alstom at their Derby factory – a site with a proud railway heritage dating back to 1839. The project supports hundreds of skilled jobs in the East Midlands, with Alstom’s supply chain drawing on around 40 companies across the UK and sustaining more than 1,000 employees. Transport for London (TfL) has spent more than £12 billion with over 3,000 UK suppliers in the past two years, boosting the national economy by supporting an estimated 100,000 full-time jobs annually.

A new Elizabeth line evaluation report has also highlighted the railway’s transformative impact since opening, showing how it has increased public transport use, reduced journey times, and supported housebuilding and employment across London. It found that an additional 71,000 trips are made across the transport network each weekday, while average journey times for step-free travel have fallen by 11 per cent. All central section stations between Paddington and Woolwich have step-free access from street to train, with other stations accessible from street to platform.

Clear benefits have been recorded in southeast London, where the Elizabeth line has revolutionised travel. Journey times between Abbey Wood and Canary Wharf have been cut by almost half, while connections to central London hubs have improved by up to 40 minutes. The line has also spurred regeneration along its route, with 70,500 new homes planned within one kilometre of Elizabeth line stations and 125,000 new jobs registered nearby between 2022 and 2023.

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “The start of production of 10 new trains in Derby is testament to the popularity and success of the Elizabeth line and shows how it is driving growth well beyond London, boosting employment and powering industry across the UK. This new report also illustrates the extent to which the line is driving up public transport use in London, speeding up travel on the network and driving regeneration through homebuilding. It also indicates significant housing potential beyond the line - particularly at Thamesmead Waterfront, which our transformative plans to extend the DLR, via Beckton Riverside, would support.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Thanks to over £220m in Government funding, TfL's order for new Elizabeth line trains is a shining example of how public investment in our railways delivers for communities across the country, supporting more than 1000 skilled jobs in Derby and ensuring London's transport network keeps pace with growing demand. This is a clear demonstration of our Plan for Change promise to build a modern, accessible and sustainable railway that drives economic growth, cuts journey times and brings countless opportunities to people both in the capital and beyond.”

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, said: “The Elizabeth line shows how quality transport infrastructure can unlock opportunities for people and places across the country, and this vital work in Derby makes clear that investing in the capital's transport network doesn't just benefit Londoners but drives wider economic growth across the country. With the Government committed to growth and green-lighting a record number of major infrastructure projects in its first year, the Mayor and I look forward to working hand in hand with them to unleash the full potential of our transport network as we continue building a more prosperous London for everyone.”

Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Alstom, said: “Our historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works are crucial to the country's economic growth, being the only UK factory where you can design, engineer, build and test a train from scratch for both domestic and export markets. Therefore, not only will these new Aventra trains enable Transport for London to continue successfully operating the Elizabeth line as passenger demand grows, they continue to support high-value manufacturing and supply chain jobs in the East Midlands and across the UK. We look forward to our new Elizabeth line trains joining the existing fleet, which are maintained by us around-the-clock at our state-of-the-art depot at Old Oak Common.”

David Shore, Managing Director at Time 24, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be awarded the contract to provide the wiring for the ten new nine-car Aventra trains Alstom are manufacturing in Derby for Transport for London. This comes at a time when the new rolling stock market in the UK had been quiet, and it has allowed us to create jobs and invest back in the business. We are proud to be involved in what has become the single busiest railway service in the UK - the Elizabeth line.”

Dee Corsi, Chief Executive at New West End Company, said: “The Elizabeth line is an important part of the West End's appeal, making it easier for visitors to access the district and experience all that we have to offer. For international tourists, the Elizabeth line provides a seamless transfer straight from Heathrow to the West End. It also complements the West End's continued evolution as a global business district, with a shorter, air-conditioned commute for office workers direct to newly developed, high-quality office space. World-class infrastructure and transport are essential for any flagship destination to thrive and, as the West End continues to evolve, particularly on Oxford Street, the Elizabeth line will continue be an important part of that transformation.”

Shobi Khan, CEO at Canary Wharf Group, said: “Canary Wharf has evolved into a vibrant seven-day destination, and it's never been easier to get here - the Elizabeth line is a game changer in reducing travel times and broadening our catchment across London and beyond. We're a bustling district where you can live, work, shop, dine, and play and since the arrival of the Elizabeth line we've seen our footfall continue to rise with a record breaking 72 million visitors in 2024 and year to date we're already tracking circa 6 per cent ahead.”

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “This is brilliant news for Alstom, Derby and the wider East Midlands, securing jobs for the future, rooted in our communities. Derby's Litchurch Lane Works recently hosted The Greatest Gathering as part of Rail 200, proving its status as a national centre for rail innovation and pride - something which is further reinforced by this latest manufacturing contract.”

The new trains are expected to enter service in the coming years, helping TfL expand capacity and prepare the Elizabeth line for the opening of Old Oak Common station. The project underlines how major rail investment continues to support local economies across Britain while creating a faster, more sustainable transport network for future generations.

Image: Alstom